3-Day Private Tour of Uyuni Salt Flats and Colored Lagoons Roundtrip From Uyuni

Setting out on a 3-day private tour of Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats and Colored Lagoons is an opportunity to witness the country’s stunning natural wonders. Travelers can expect to explore the world’s largest salt flat, visit vibrant lagoons teeming with wildlife, and encounter unique rock formations. With stops at the Train Cemetery, Isla Incahuasi, and geothermal areas, this immersive experience promises unforgettable memories. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a photography enthusiast, this tour provides a chance to explore the remarkable landscapes that make Bolivia a captivating destination.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 3 Day Tours In Uyuni.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive 3-day private tour exploring Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats and vibrant colored lagoons, starting and ending in Uyuni.
• Visit unique sites like the Train Cemetery, Colchani salt extraction village, and Isla Incahuasi with its diverse cactus vegetation.
• Observe flamingos and other wildlife at scenic lagoons like Laguna Honda, Laguna Hedionda, and Laguna Colorada.
• Discover geological wonders such as the Árbol de Piedra, Sol de Mañana geothermal area, and the emerald-colored Laguna Verde.
• Enjoy panoramic views of the vast Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, and the Salar de Chiguana.

Uyuni Tour Highlights

The 3-Day Private Tour of Uyuni Salt Flats and Colored Lagoons offers a comprehensive exploration of Bolivia’s captivating natural wonders.

Travelers will visit the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, spanning an impressive 400 square miles. This ethereal landscape boasts unique reflections, geological formations, and cultural sites.

The tour also includes visits to the Train Cemetery, the salt-extraction town of Colchani, and the high-altitude Isla Incahuasi with its cactus-filled landscapes.

Across the three days, travelers will discover vibrant colored lagoons, volcanic rock formations, geothermal areas, and the stunning Laguna Colorada, a RAMSAR-designated wetland rich in wildlife.

Day 1 Itinerary

The 3-Day Private Tour of Uyuni Salt Flats and Colored Lagoons kicks off with a pickup from your hotel, bus station, or Joya Andina Airport in Uyuni.

The first stop is the Train Cemetery, a historical site offering unique photo opportunities.

Next, you’ll visit Colchani, a town known for salt extraction, crafts, and the Salt Museum.

The highlight of the day is the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat spanning over 10,000 square kilometers.

You’ll also explore Isla Incahuasi, a high-altitude island with cactaceous vegetation and fossils, and catch the sunset over the Thunupa Volcano, home to Andean flamingos.

Train Cemetery and Colchani

Visitors begin their 3-day Uyuni salt flats tour with a stop at the Train Cemetery, a historical site where rusting locomotives and railcars lay abandoned, providing unique photo opportunities.

After exploring the Train Cemetery, the tour moves on to Colchani, a small town of 580 people known for its active salt extraction industry.

Travelers will have the chance to visit the Salt Museum and witness the traditional salt harvesting process, as well as browse the local crafts and shops that showcase the region’s reliance on this natural resource.

This introduction sets the stage for the immense scale and unique landscapes that define the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat.

Salar De Uyuni and Isla Incahuasi

After exploring the historical Train Cemetery and witnessing the salt harvesting in Colchani, the tour now ventures into the heart of Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. Spanning over 10,000 square kilometers at an elevation of 3,653 meters, this expansive white desert offers a mesmerizing landscape and unique photographic opportunities.

Fact	Statistic
Size	10,000+ sq km
Elevation	3,653 m
Composition	98% sodium chloride

The tour also visits Isla Incahuasi, a high-altitude island within the salt flat known for its remarkable cactaceous vegetation and fossilized remains. This captivating natural wonder provides a scenic backdrop for the day’s exploration.

Day 2 Itinerary

Departing from Tahua, the second day’s journey unfolds, taking travelers to Ojo de Perdiz.

The first stop is Isla del Pescado, a petrified limestone volcano with diverse cacti.

Lunch is served in San Pedro De Quemes, followed by visits to wildlife-rich Laguna Honda and the flamingo-filled Laguna Hedionda.

Continuing on, the yellow-colored Laguna Canapa and its waterfowl are observed.

A panoramic viewpoint at Mirador Volcán Ollague offers sweeping vistas.

The final stop of the day is the Salar de Chiguana, another salt formation with railway views, before reaching the overnight destination of Ojo de Perdiz.

Isla Del Pescado and Lagoons

From Tahua, the tour continues to Isla del Pescado, a unique high-altitude island in the Salar de Uyuni. This limestone volcano is home to diverse cactus species, and visitors can explore its rugged terrain for around an hour.

Next, the tour stops at San Pedro De Quemes for a 2-hour lunch break. Afterward, the group visits several lagoons, including the wildlife-rich Laguna Honda, the flamingo-filled Laguna Hedionda, and the yellow-colored Laguna Canapa.

The Mirador Volcán Ollague viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of the nearby stratovolcano. Finally, the tour reaches the Salar de Chiguana, another scenic salt formation with views of a nearby railway line.

Day 3 Itinerary

The final day’s itinerary takes the tour group from Ojo de Perdiz back to Uyuni. Highlights include the Árbol de Piedra, a unique eroded volcanic rock formation, and the Sol de Mañana, a geothermal area with vibrant geysers. The tour then visits the scenic Salar de Chalviri, the Termas de Polques hot springs, and the surreal Desierto Dali landscapes. The itinerary culminates at the stunning Laguna Verde, an emerald lagoon, and the vibrant Laguna Colorada, a RAMSAR site home to diverse wildlife. The tour concludes with a visit to the historical mining town of San Cristóbal before returning to Uyuni in the evening.

Site	Duration
Árbol de Piedra	40 mins
Sol de Mañana	40 mins
Salar de Chalviri	20 mins
Termas de Polques	1 hour

Árbol De Piedra and Laguna Verde

After departing the geothermal area of Sol de Mañana, the tour arrives at the remarkable Árbol de Piedra, a unique and otherworldly volcanic rock formation shaped by erosion over centuries.

Visitors are given 40 minutes to explore this surreal landscape, photographing the striking tree-like structure and the surrounding desert scenery.

The next stop is Laguna Verde, an emerald-colored lagoon whose vibrant hue is attributed to the high copper and arsenic content.

Guests spend 40 minutes admiring the stunning lagoon, which is set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Licancabur volcano.

This serene and otherworldly setting provides a captivating contrast to the previous geothermal activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. Most tour operators provide a lunch stop, but having additional snacks and beverages allows for more flexibility and personalization throughout the day.

Is There an Option for a Group Tour Instead of Private?

This tour is offered as a private experience, but there may be group tour options available as well. Travelers should inquire about group tour options when booking to see if that better suits their needs and preferences.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Stop During the Itinerary?

The time spent at each stop varies, ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours. For instance, the Train Cemetery is 45 minutes, Isla Incahuasi is 1 hour, and the lunch stop in San Pedro De Quemes is 2 hours.

Can I Customize the Itinerary Based on My Interests?

The tour company allows customers to customize the itinerary based on their interests. They’re flexible and can adjust the stops and time spent at each location to better suit the traveler’s preferences.

What Should I Pack for the Different Climate Conditions?

To prepare for the varying climate conditions, pack warm layers, a rain jacket, sun protection, sturdy footwear, and extra snacks and water. Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and unique natural features.

The Sum Up

This 3-day private tour of the Uyuni Salt Flats and Colored Lagoons offers an unforgettable adventure in Bolivia’s stunning natural landscapes. Travelers will witness the vast Salar de Uyuni, explore unique rock formations, and observe Andean flamingos at vibrant lagoons. With visits to the Train Cemetery, Isla Incahuasi, and more, this tour caters to adventure seekers and photography enthusiasts alike, promising memories that will last a lifetime.